Revelation 12 King James Version (KJV)
“12 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”
It has been brought to my attention that there may be many Christians whom are, to varying levels, anxious about this Saturday’s event, two days from this date. After researching and praying, I submit to you, it has been exaggerated and over sensationalized by some media sources.
Let not your hearts be troubled!
My intent in writing this piece, is not to pick apart the claims of Christian scientists and astrologers for their interpretation of this event. I’m only a conscientious observer, but I believe their hypothesis is flawed and a far stretch, concerning the coming alignment of the stars. Additionally, without names attached to these star formations, few would associate their appearance with the figures that they're named after. It would take a lengthy screed to cover the assertions and uncover all their shortcomings. I will leave that as your homework, if you so choose to accept the assignment.
I want to focus on the scripture verses and try to bring some comfort to those of you whom are fearing the closely approaching date of 9/23/17.
First, lets look at the opening sentence of Revelation, Chapter 12:1, in the King James Version. Notice the sixth word—“wonder.” In other bible versions, the word “sign” replaces the word “wonder.” I think this may be a mistake. According to dictionaries, the word “wonder,” is not synonymous with the word “sign.” Using two popular dictionary thesauri, the word “sign” I did not find, nor was it found in the definition of the word “wonder:”
won-der
1a: a cause of astonishment or admiration
b: Miracle
sign
6a: something material or external that stands for or signifies something spiritual
b: something indicating the presence or existence of something else
Vise versa, nor did I find the word “wonder” associated with the word ”sign,” in the dictionaries. From my point of view, a wonder is something to be pondered, intrigued by, or in awe of, whereas a sign is a warning, or for a more defined meaning, in this context, an online dictionary; The Free Dictionary by Farlex’s text reads: a portentous incident or event; a presage.
Certainly, John; the writer of the book of Revelation, witnessed a profound vision in heaven—related to the birth of Jesus by his virgin mother, Mary. Was it a prophetic sign for this generation to behold—one indicating a message predicting a forthcoming event, such as the rapture, or the “Great Tribulation?” Even, as I believe, we are in the time of sorrows and the tribulation draws very near, I question the prophetic claims of the aforementioned alarmists and seriously doubt it has relevance to Revelation 12. Although, his vision incorporated the symbol of stars, in the form of a crown, the verses don't proclaim it will be a celestial sign. However, it was a vision he saw in heaven, but there is more than one heaven. I presume his vision was in the third heaven—God’s kingdom, which is above the stars. If, God’s purpose for John’s vision is to be an important visible sign in the latter days, I would think that He would make it a much more obvious and comprehensive one for believers—not a vague, nor ambiguous exhibition like this one.
I’m not claiming that the upcoming event is not a wonder, of sort. Although, a potentially flawed interpretation, it may serve a purpose, because of the times we are living in. Many events are happening simultaneously, as the bible predicted that they will, in the day of the Lord.
Revelation 12 may be merely a visually symbolic account of the Messiah Jesus’ birth by his holy mother and the Devil pursuing them. In my opinion, the recent “Blood Moons” were more significant, possibly signaling another wakeup call to us. The blood moons prophecy is a manifestation and prophetic proclamation of the season of the latter days. Many scoff at it, as they do at many of the other signs, because nothing of significance seemed to have happened during the immediate duration of the incident.
God’s timing is not dependent on our expectations. I think most of us can agree; circumstances on the world stage of events have heated up since the display in the heavens, only two years ago. Isolation of recent events may have little prophetic meaning, but because they are transpiring frequently and expeditiously, within a short span of time, is precisely what the bible predicts will happen in the end time days. That hasn't happened before.
The alignment of the constellations, this Saturday, is intriguing, but I encourage you not to perceive it as a major prophecy being fulfilled, especially one spouting the eventual doom and gloom scenario. Also, to keep your eyes focused on God’s Word and your hearts and prayers lifted upward—for your redemption draws near. God is good. He is your Protector and He is in control of all things.
Fear not! Let not you hearts be troubled.